Thailand has announced initiatives to ease visa requirements in an effort to to increase tourism, the nation’s primary economic engine. The cabinet adopted the new measures on Tuesday. They include easing visa requirements for seniors and extending stay durations for postgraduate students, tourists, and remote workers.
Travellers from 93 countries will be able to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days as of June 1, 2024. 57 countries were on the list previously. Visas on arrival will now be available for more tourists; the list of qualifying nations has increased from 19 to 31.
Remote workers and digital nomads
The government has created a new five-year Thailand visa specifically for remote workers. The term of so-called “digital nomad” visas, which are currently only valid for 60 days and have a 180-day maximum stay each stay, will be increased to five years for independent contractors and remote workers. This action is intended to draw remote and independent contractors who wish to remain in Thailand for extended periods of time while carrying out their business.
Postgraduate students
It will be simpler for international postgraduate students pursuing bachelor’s degrees or above to remain in Thailand and look for work once they graduate. If students receive authorization from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, they will be permitted to stay an additional year in order to travel, look for work, or partake in other activities.
With 3.5 trillion baht (95.73 billion dollars) in revenue, Thailand hopes to welcome a record 40 million international visitors by 2024, up from 14.3 million in January to May 26 of this year. Prior to the epidemic in 2019, Thailand saw a record 39.9 million visitors, bringing in 1.91 trillion baht (about 54 billion USD).
How to apply for a Thailand visa online once you arrive:
Go to the Immigration Office website in Thailand.
Go to “service information” and select “online services” by clicking.
‘Online application for a Thailand visa on arrival’ should be selected.
Click “accept” on the redirected page to acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions.
